An animal group has said that a rabbit which was left decapitated in its owners' Hertfordshire garden was a victim of the 'M25 Cat Killer'.

The South Norwood Animal Rescue and Liberty (Snarl) have said they have included the killing of two-year-old rabbit Elmo in Harpenden, into their investigations to try and identity a cat killer who has been operating around the M25 since 2015.

Tony Jenkins, head of Snarl, said: "We've included them in the investigation because they've quite clearly been cut up by a human.

"Whether it's the same person who has been killing cats, we can't be certain, it's impossible to tell if it's one person being prolific or if there are more people involved.

"But if it turns out there is more than one person involved, we're hoping to catch them all."

The cat killer originally struck in Croydon in 2015, but in recent weeks there have been reports of cat and small animal deaths in Hertfordshire.

Elmo the rabbit was found brutally killed at his Harpenden home, believed to be a victim of the 'M25 Cat Killer' (Image: SWNS)

Elmo's owner Donna Leal, 36, found his body with its head and front legs cut off in her garden on November 8 in Harpenden.

She said: "I just don't understand how he keeps doing it and keeps getting away with it and no one's is catching him.

"I just went into the garden to feed the rabbit, normally I just shake the feed bag and he just runs over.